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Armed Forces Bill

moved Amendment No. 89: After Clause 115, insert the following new clause- ““Duty of service policeman during investigation INVESTIGATING SERVICE POLICEMAN TO INFORM COMMANDING OFFICER OF PROGRESS OF INVESTIGATION The member of the service police force who is appointed to lead the investigation into an allegation that a service offence has been committed shall keep the commanding officer of the unit or formation of which the person (or persons) against whom the allegation is made is a member closely, promptly and regularly informed of the progress of the investigation.”” The noble Lord said: On behalf of the noble and gallant Lord, Lord Bramall, I wish to move Amendment No. 89 and speak to Amendment No. 90. The Government have largely addressed our Amendment No. 89 with their amendment on the vital issue of the service police keeping the CO informed of the progress of an investigation. I thank the Minister for the work he has done behind the scenes to facilitate that. Accordingly, I shall withdraw this amendment. I am also minded to withdraw Amendment No. 90 if I receive a clear, unequivocal commitment from the Minister at the Dispatch Box that the issue of our Amendment No. 90, the power of COs to be able to make representations, will be very clearly addressed in regulations. I beg to move.